In one corner we have supporters of preservation of the Trap Grounds, who might be thought to be in a strong position since this area has now been ruled to be a town green.

In the other corner are those determined to build a road and 47 houses on this open space. The fight is scheduled to take place before High Court judges.

This is a bizarre situation. Oxford residents who want to retain this as a town green will have to dig deep into their pockets to pay a barrister. At the same time, local residents will be paying, via the council tax, for the opposing barrister.

There needn't be a fight. Common sense and goodwill could come to the rescue. The bottom line for the council is an access road for the school. For the Trap Grounds supporters, it is preservation of a green lung in this crowded area of Oxford. Both sides could achieve these objectives without the tortuous process of legal wrangling and without the resentment that 'winning' or 'losing' would entail.

There are informal signs that each side might accept such a compromise. We now need an honest broker to convene a meeting to seek a peaceful solution.

Surely in such a city as Oxford such a person can be found.

PEGGY HEEKS

Bainton Road

Oxford